Harrison County has a rich history if we look for it
The phrase, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” has been attributed to several historical figures including philosopher George Santayana and Winston Churchill. The irony of this quote having multiple attributions should not be lost on any of us.
History is important to understand. Oftentimes, we get wrapped up in national history and we focus on the biggest picture we can. However, it’s valuable to also learn about one’s personal history, too.
Harrison County is fortunate to have a Genealogical Society as well as an Historical Society that work together to maintain and expand local information about the past. The News-Herald’s own Look at the Past columnist, Susan Adams, is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Genealogical Society and shared some information with the paper.
One thing Adams lamented was the lack of learning about family history until it was too late. “The trouble about family research,” she said, “one doesn’t get involved until they retire. By then, all the people they need to ask are gone.”
This is a common experience and shows that it’s important to get young people interested in history while they have the best opportunity to ask relatives for first hand information. Adams shared that there are a few younger individuals who have found the historical society to be helpful. “We had a boy scout that needed volunteer hours to get one of his badges. Since we are a 501c3, we could help him out. He completed his hours and actually had so much fun he came back for an extra day. He said he didn’t know what all we did and didn’t know there were so many interesting things in the history of Harrison County. He is now an Eagle Scout, and it makes one feel good that they were able to help him a little on his journey.”
She also shared that a young lady involved in 4-H has taken up genealogy for a project. Adams looks forward to assisting her with her family history and the volunteers at the society are excited to help guide her to good resources.
Adams shared she would love to see more young people get involved with the societies so that these organizations will continue. She knows that the younger generation is “caught up in so many things, they just don’t have the time.” But she hopes that parents will step up and help. “[The kids] are our future. Maybe if more parents brought up their family history, they would get interested and come here to get involved. We get folks who come in to prove or disprove family lore.”
Besides bringing up history, there are several other ways to be involved with the societies. “Come to our historical presentations and cemetery tours. It is nice to see the faces out there and be supported.”
You can also join as a member and/or make donations to the societies to help them keep their lights on. The aim is to make as much Harrison County history available as possible. They are always looking for more information from the county.
“People think this is boring,” Adams said. “On the contrary, I learn something every time I work at the society. Someone’s ancestor owned a ‘temperance tavern’… I didn’t realize that just about every town in the county was called by another name when they were first established. I didn’t know what a ‘bastardy’ case was. It’s fun to learn how things are the way they are because of what happened in the past.”
Harrison County Historical Society, PO Box 362, Cadiz, OH 43907-0362
Harrison County Genealogical Society, PO Box 301, Cadiz, OH 43907-0301
Dues $15 single/$25 Joint
Email for HCGS: harrisonheritage@yahoo.com
Call Susan Adams at 740-942-3137 for an appointment. If no answer, please leave a message and the call will be returned as soon as possible.
